April 2026 Automotive Standards: Electric Charging, Infotainment, and Engine Test Updates

April 2026 brings significant advancements in the field of Automotive and Road Vehicles, with the publication of four pivotal international standards. These updates impact electric vehicle charging infrastructure, vehicle-to-grid communication protocols, aerosol separator testing for engines, and infotainment systems in public transport. Professionals across automotive engineering, quality management, R&D, and procurement must understand these new requirements to ensure compliance, enhance safety, and embrace the latest innovations.

Overview

As the automotive industry rapidly evolves—adopting electric mobility, digitalization, and advanced powertrain technologies—international standards play a foundational role in ensuring interoperability, reliability, safety, and quality. Whether you are developing electric vehicle chargers, designing engine filtration systems, or deploying next-generation infotainment in public vehicles, the latest standards define the technical blueprint and regulatory expectations.

This article covers the four new standards published in April 2026 for Automotive and Road Vehicles:

• IEC 62196-3:2026: High-performance plugs and connectors for conductive charging of electric vehicles
• ISO/PAS 15118-23:2026: Conformance test plans for DC charging vehicle-to-grid communication
• ISO/TS 17536-2:2026: Laboratory test methods for blowby aerosol separators in internal combustion engines
• EN IEC 63479-2:2026: Functional requirements for public vehicle infotainment services (PVIS)

Read on to explore what these standards mean for your operations, compliance obligations, and opportunities for innovation.

Detailed Standards Coverage

IEC 62196-3:2026 – Dimensional Compatibility for Electric Vehicle Charging Couplers

Plugs, Socket-Outlets, Vehicle Connectors and Vehicle Inlets – Conductive Charging of Electric Vehicles – Part 3: Dimensional Compatibility Requirements for DC and AC/DC Pin and Contact-Tube Vehicle Couplers

Scope & Key Content:
This updated international standard specifies dimensional compatibility and safety requirements for plugs, vehicle connectors, socket-outlets, and inlets used in conductive charging systems for electric vehicles (EVs). It addresses both direct current (DC) and combined AC/DC charging interfaces, ensuring interoperability and safe operation across global markets. The standard integrates previous technical specifications and introduces higher current ratings and new test methods for more robust performance.

Key requirements and updates:

• Applies to high-power DC interfaces and combined AC/DC interfaces used in modern EV charging systems
• Scope linked to clauses in IEC 61851-1 and IEC 61851-23, covering safety and functional performance for EV infrastructure
• Integrates the content of the former IEC TS 62196-3-1 as a normative annex (Annex AA), streamlining guidance and compliance
• Increased electrical ratings for all connector configurations for higher-performance future vehicles
• References new testing procedures found in IEC 62196-1:2025, with an emphasis on clauses 34–37 (thermal cycling, humidity exposure, misalignment, contact endurance tests)
• Detailed specifications for dimensional arrangements, earthing, interlocks, mechanical strength, resistance to aging and fire, and liquid coolant compatibility

Who should comply:

• EV charging equipment manufacturers, connector designers, automotive OEMs, component suppliers, installers, and test laboratories involved in EV infrastructure
• Anyone supplying equipment or components for public or private EV charging systems

Practical implications:

• Ensures safe, reliable, and interoperable operation of fast-charging systems worldwide
• Reduces the risk of incompatibility and unsafe connection practices
• Supports innovation in high-power charging and integration with thermal management systems (liquid-cooled couplers)
• Revised tests and increased ratings demand upgrades in product validation and certification processes

Notable changes from previous edition:

• Annex AA (thermal management) is now part of the normative standard
• Ratings for current and voltage have increased to enable ultra-fast charging
• Mandated new test methods to reflect emerging field reliability concerns

Key highlights:

• Unified, global dimensional specs for DC and AC/DC EV couplers
• Enhanced safety and performance requirements (including new test regimes)
• Streamlined compliance by integrating technical annexes and raising rating thresholds

Access the full standard:View IEC 62196-3:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO/PAS 15118-23:2026 – Vehicle-to-Grid DC Charging Communication Conformance Test Plan

Road Vehicles — Vehicle to Grid Communication Interface — Part 23: Second Generation Network Layer and Application Layer Requirements Conformance Test Plan for DC Charging

Scope & Key Content:
This publicly available specification (PAS) defines a comprehensive, abstract test suite for verifying the conformance of electric vehicle communication controllers (EVCC) and supply equipment communication controllers (SECC) to all DC-specific requirements in ISO 15118-20. It focuses on the network and application layers (ISO/OSI layers 3–7), essential for high-assurance DC charging sessions and vehicle-to-grid interactions.

Key requirements and specifications:

• Establishes mandatory conformance tests (capabilities and behaviors) for EVCC and SECC implementations related to DC charging
• Closely aligns with static and dynamic conformance requirements defined in ISO 15118-20, ensuring compatibility across devices and systems
• Inherits architecture from ISO 15118-21 and presents test cases in a clear tabular format
• Focuses only on normative sections of ISO 15118-20, with references to relevant IETF and W3C standards for network protocols
• Does not assess physical implementation, performance, robustness, or power transfer—only protocol and behavior

Who should comply:

• Automotive software engineers, EV charging station developers, vehicle OEMs, and conformance/certification bodies
• Developers of communication controllers, test systems, and integration teams validating protocol stacks

Practical implications:

• Enables consistent, repeatable testing and certification of DC charging communications, reducing risk in interoperability
• Facilitates the deployment of new vehicle-to-grid services and advanced smart charging
• Empowers stakeholders to meet regulatory and market entry requirements via protocol conformance validation

Notable features:

• Abstract, technology-agnostic test descriptions for flexibility of deployment
• Ensures confidence that EV and charging infrastructure implementations will communicate correctly
• Foundation for future interoperability and certification programs

Key highlights:

• Covers every DC charging protocol requirement from ISO 15118-20 at the network and application layers
• Enables both static and dynamic protocol behaviors to be thoroughly tested for compliance
• Essential reference for certification of next-generation DC charging communication components

Access the full standard:View ISO/PAS 15118-23:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO/TS 17536-2:2026 – Laboratory Test Method for Blowby Aerosol Separators

Road Vehicles — Aerosol Separator Performance Test for Internal Combustion Engines — Part 2: Laboratory Test Method

Scope & Key Content:
ISO/TS 17536-2:2026 defines robust and repeatable laboratory test methods to measure the gravimetric separation efficiency and steady-state pressure drop of oil aerosol separators and filtration devices used in engine crankcase ventilation systems. This standard applies to both open and closed crankcase systems with tubular inlets/outlets.

Key requirements and test procedures:

• Laboratory methods assess device efficiency (range: 0–99%) using gravimetric measurements, with precise controls for temperature, humidity, and pressure
• Covers pressure loss tests, gravimetric efficiency tests (new and conditioned device states), crankcase pressure control tests, and drain interval tests
• Specifies the use of standardized test oils, aerosol generators, and measuring systems
• Validation steps ensure test apparatus accuracy, including unique setups for special device geometries (see Annex A)
• Differential pressures and test durations are tightly controlled, with comprehensive data reporting and correction to standard conditions

Who should comply:

• Engine and component manufacturers, filtration technology firms, calibration laboratories, and quality assurance departments
• Research entities and emissions compliance bodies assessing ventilation and oil separation system performance

Practical implications:

• Supports development, validation, and regulatory compliance for engine blowby management
• Reduces risk of non-compliance with environmental requirements related to engine emissions
• Allows for benchmarking and quality control across global supply chains

Notable changes from previous edition:

• Updates to essential figures and tables, test setup diagrams, and aerosol distribution protocols
• Enhanced precision and clarity in measurement and result reporting techniques

Key highlights:

• Enables repeatable, standardized lab testing for oil mist separators in combustion engines
• Includes both efficiency and pressure drop performance under varied operational conditions
• Relevant for both initial product qualification and ongoing quality monitoring

Access the full standard:View ISO/TS 17536-2:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 63479-2:2026 – Functional Requirements for Public Vehicle Infotainment Services (PVIS)

Infotainment Services for Public Vehicles (PVIS) – Part 2: Requirements

Scope & Key Content:
EN IEC 63479-2:2026 specifies the functional and management requirements for delivering infotainment services in large-scale public vehicles, such as buses and trains. Unlike personal in-vehicle entertainment, PVIS must accommodate multiple users and devices, ensuring robust performance, security, and seamless service delivery.

Key requirements and structural features:

• Mandates essential management functions: device registration, device control, content delivery, connectivity establishment, and secure authentication/authorization
• Includes optional enhancements: device monitoring, content provider interworking, passenger profile management, and QoS control/load balancing
• Outlines distinct PVIS functional entities: PVIS master, agent, device, passenger device, content provider
• Emphasizes support for high user/device density, secure service provisioning, and automated device onboarding/configuration
• Defines content management requirements (integration with third-party providers, dynamic content delivery)
• Connectivity management must allow for robust connection establishment, real-time monitoring, and system-wide status notifications

Who should comply:

• Public transportation operators, onboard systems integrators, EV fleet managers, infotainment platform vendors, and system architects

Practical implications:

• Ensures high-quality, reliable infotainment access for passengers on public transit
• Streamlines fleetwide device management and content modernization
• Provides a standards-based model for scaling infotainment deployments across diverse vehicle fleets

Key highlights:

• Core requirements for secure, seamless passenger entertainment services
• Framework for robust device and content lifecycle management in public vehicles
• Facilitates regulatory compliance and increase in passenger satisfaction

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 63479-2:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The release of these updated automotive and road vehicle standards sets a new benchmark for safety, quality, and innovation across multiple subfields:

• Manufacturers and suppliers must rapidly incorporate new compatibility, testing, and interoperability requirements—especially for fast-evolving domains such as electric charging and infotainment.
• Compliance officers and quality managers should update technical documentation, validation strategies, and internal audit frameworks to reflect new dimensional, testing, and management obligations.
• R&D and engineering teams gain a reference for designing next-generation components that are globally interoperable and future-proof.
• Procurement specialists can benchmark products and suppliers against robust, documented requirements.

Key compliance considerations:

• Plan for phased implementation and testing for new connector designs (IEC 62196-3:2026)
• Integrate new communication conformance test plans in automotive software validation (ISO/PAS 15118-23:2026)
• Adopt standardized laboratory procedures throughout the device lifecycle (ISO/TS 17536-2:2026)
• Align infotainment infrastructure investments with the PVIS framework to prepare for future upgrades and audits (EN IEC 63479-2:2026)

Benefits of early adoption:

• Enhanced market access and customer confidence
• Reduced risk of recalls or safety incidents
• Improvement in internal quality KPIs and external audit results

Risks of non-compliance:

• Regulatory penalties, market exclusion, increased warranty costs
• Interoperability failures in global markets
• Loss of competitive edge and innovation leadership

Technical Insights

A review of the four standards reveals several cross-cutting technical requirements that organizations must manage to enable successful implementation and certification:

• Dimensional and Interface Standardization: Precise connector and coupler dimensions must be followed to avoid operational hazards and incompatibility across platforms (IEC 62196-3:2026).
• Protocol Conformance Testing: Implementations of communication controllers require abstract, protocol-layer-focused test cases for robust, future-proof performance (ISO/PAS 15118-23:2026).
• Lab Testing Best Practices: Repeatable calibration, reporting standards, environmental corrections, and test apparatus validation are essential for consistent, verifiable results (ISO/TS 17536-2:2026).
• Infotainment Service Management: Scalable, secure onboarding, device and service monitoring, and content lifecycle management are foundational for high-density environments (EN IEC 63479-2:2026).

Implementation Checklist:

1. Review and update product and system requirements based on new standards.
2. Coordinate with testing laboratories to align new procedures and calibration protocols.
3. Enhance internal documentation and traceability for all interfaces and protocols.
4. Train engineering, procurement, and quality teams on specific standard requirements and timelines.
5. Engage with certification and regulatory bodies to schedule updates in compliance programs.

Conclusion & Next Steps

The April 2026 updates to international standards for Automotive and Road Vehicles are extensive and impactful, spanning electrification, digitalization, engine efficiency, and passenger experience in public transport. These standards form the foundation for safer, more efficient, and future-ready mobility—from the connector design on a charging station to the infotainment system for thousands of passengers daily.

Key Takeaways:

• All professionals in automotive design, quality, and procurement should review these standards now
• Early compliance will deliver innovation, market differentiation, and risk mitigation
• iTeh Standards is your trusted resource for official standard documents and ongoing support

Recommendations:

• Access the full texts linked above to conduct a gap analysis against your current processes
• Register for updates and notifications on future automotive standard releases on iTeh Standards
• Engage with your compliance and engineering teams to plan implementation and training

For direct access to the latest standards and further guidance, visit iTeh Standards Automotive Collection